Listening to a couple friends this morning talk about their midnight viewing of the new movie "Hunger Games" was a real treat. They have followed the trilogy in book form and now hope to do the same in video form. "Excited" is so far under their radar in describing their exuberance it's not funny. Maybe ecstatic and downright giddy would be closer. They don't care though how you describe them. A trip into fantasy is what they were after and a trip into fantasy is what they got. A theater owner, back in the day told me the reason so many people liked horror movies is because they wanted to be literally scared out of their wits with something that couldn't happen in real life so they were better prepared when something real and frightening did happen. In listening to the hunger games fans I wondered what they were searching for. Also while listening to them I was sort of envious of their total interest, knowledge and enjoyment of the whole thing.
Funny thing, this business of entertainment. Does it actually create a culture or does it simply cater to an existing culture. Of late it's been "Star Wars" "Transformers" "Harry Potter", all those vampires and werewolves and even angels and centaurs coming together to give us fright, wizardry and the battle between good and evil. Oh, what fun it is too. From my youth visions of Davey Crocket fighting river pirates and grizzly bears was a huge thrill and "Monster from the Black Lagoon" in 3D "The War of the Worlds" and "The Thing" were enough to scare the begeebies out of an entire generation. In going over old archives I have to say that "The Murder's of the Moulon Rouge" and "Count Dracula" in Black and white were two of the scariest ever.
I've never found enough interest to buy advance tickets or wait in line at midnight just to be the first to see a movie. But that's just me. The people I listened to this morning couldn't have been more thrilled if they'd of won the lottery. It was fun just being around them. I wish you a fun day also...................Joe
Friday, March 23, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Being happy is good for you.
It's good to be back! This year's treasure hunt required a lot of attention due to the increased frequency of the clues and all the new participants. What a blast! I am currently working on a riddle game for a local retirement community. This is very enjoyable as working with limited criteria is always a challenge. Everyone has their own idea of fun don't they?
The world has gone on very well without my complete attention. What a delight! Not being responsible for the entire population is a relief. The presidential candidates are hard at it, or rather each other. The president himself is enjoying a resurgence of employment for whatever reason. I seriously doubt however that it has anything to do with what the government is doing. After all, the American people are very resilient and even if we do complain loudly we usually get on with what needs to be done and get back to work. I am proud of us. Many people of other countries grouse about us but where is the first place they want to migrate to? Then when they get here, they want to change the place into the image of where they came from. Huh! I guess maybe we do that to by judging other countries by our standards, not theirs. Same O', Same '. As I said, I'm happy to say I'm not responsible for what goes on in the world.
Went to a casino the other week. Came back with $5.00 more than I left with and spent 4 hours there. Cheap entertainment. However, sat next to a woman that spent $800 and she was only there for an hour and a half. They don't build those fancy buildings on the winners do they? The warm weather advanced my annual walk to pick pussy-willows up two weeks. I went, picked a few and came home. The bounty was almost finished by the time I was there, even as early as I went. Only a few sprigs and they are close to spent already. I can't remember that happening before. It's always been the best blooms on the 15th of March. This year it must have been closer to the 15th of February. The times they are a changin'.
In my almost weekly meetings with the guys the conversation is leaning towards explaining who is responsible for a lot of our cultural and societal changes lately. We haven't settled on a complete answer yet. I'll get back to that another day. Meanwhile, think about it. I prefer to concentrate on how to live a happy life that spills over onto those around me. Far more enjoyable if you care to ask me. Laughing is a lot more fun than complaining don't you think?
I wish you a happy day. By the way: I've gotten it from a very reliable source that laughing is good for what ails you and strengthens the heart to boot. So there!
The world has gone on very well without my complete attention. What a delight! Not being responsible for the entire population is a relief. The presidential candidates are hard at it, or rather each other. The president himself is enjoying a resurgence of employment for whatever reason. I seriously doubt however that it has anything to do with what the government is doing. After all, the American people are very resilient and even if we do complain loudly we usually get on with what needs to be done and get back to work. I am proud of us. Many people of other countries grouse about us but where is the first place they want to migrate to? Then when they get here, they want to change the place into the image of where they came from. Huh! I guess maybe we do that to by judging other countries by our standards, not theirs. Same O', Same '. As I said, I'm happy to say I'm not responsible for what goes on in the world.
Went to a casino the other week. Came back with $5.00 more than I left with and spent 4 hours there. Cheap entertainment. However, sat next to a woman that spent $800 and she was only there for an hour and a half. They don't build those fancy buildings on the winners do they? The warm weather advanced my annual walk to pick pussy-willows up two weeks. I went, picked a few and came home. The bounty was almost finished by the time I was there, even as early as I went. Only a few sprigs and they are close to spent already. I can't remember that happening before. It's always been the best blooms on the 15th of March. This year it must have been closer to the 15th of February. The times they are a changin'.
In my almost weekly meetings with the guys the conversation is leaning towards explaining who is responsible for a lot of our cultural and societal changes lately. We haven't settled on a complete answer yet. I'll get back to that another day. Meanwhile, think about it. I prefer to concentrate on how to live a happy life that spills over onto those around me. Far more enjoyable if you care to ask me. Laughing is a lot more fun than complaining don't you think?
I wish you a happy day. By the way: I've gotten it from a very reliable source that laughing is good for what ails you and strengthens the heart to boot. So there!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Treasure hunt wrap up
Saturday was a terrific day to award the prize for the annual silver treasure hunt to Steve and Julie. We met at the telephone pole they found the medallion on for a picture fest. The sun was shining down on us but the wind was blowing at about 15 miles an hour and the temperature was struggling to get above 20*. We were not dismayed though and the picture taking was accomplished without delay and we proceeded to Russell&Ballards Jewelry showroom for the prize itself: A box of money and other accessories to accompany the engraved winner's mug everyone wants to have sitting on their mantle. Steve and Julie brought their entire family along and I have to say that I have not met a more enjoyable group of people. Smart, supportive, fun and friendly pretty much sums them up. I can certainly see why they were able to persevere and win the game. It was my great pleasure to join them in their celebration. Good job guys!
According to all the mail and comments I've received: The new, faster pace of the clue announcements seem to be a hit as well as beginning the hunt after the holiday season. A large, younger crowd joined in using some of the new technology they are so familiar with and sped up the transmission of ideas back and forth almost instantaneously. As it was, at least this time, the tried and true method of trial and error on foot proved to be effective. It is fascinating to observe the use of things not even in existence only a few short years ago. To me it is fascinating, to those that grew up with that stuff it is simply commonplace and will probably be outdated in less than a decade.
I had fun, a lot of other people had fun and the 31st silver treasure hunt is in the history books. I look forward to seeing and hearing from you all next year. I have to learn more about the passing on of information because the newspapers and other audio or video media are changing by the day and aren't a reliable source for the riddle and clues any more. Matt VandeBunte from the press did an excellent job this year and the Advance newspaper did too until their printing schedule changed. Like I said, I have to learn more as time goes on. We used to be able to count the participants by the amount of riddle requests we received in the mail because it was not published in the papers but it got so popular I couldn't keep up with it and the papers and TV announced them. Our highest count has been over 40,000 hunters. With the news exposure even more are aware of it. I take satisfaction from that fact because each person that becomes acquainted with the treasure hunt has an opportunity to learn more about the danger of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. A subject many people don't want to talk about. Kind of like a ghost: You can't see it, you can't smell it, you can't taste it so it's scary to discuss. The game makes it more fun than scary. We all win!
Later...............................Joe
According to all the mail and comments I've received: The new, faster pace of the clue announcements seem to be a hit as well as beginning the hunt after the holiday season. A large, younger crowd joined in using some of the new technology they are so familiar with and sped up the transmission of ideas back and forth almost instantaneously. As it was, at least this time, the tried and true method of trial and error on foot proved to be effective. It is fascinating to observe the use of things not even in existence only a few short years ago. To me it is fascinating, to those that grew up with that stuff it is simply commonplace and will probably be outdated in less than a decade.
I had fun, a lot of other people had fun and the 31st silver treasure hunt is in the history books. I look forward to seeing and hearing from you all next year. I have to learn more about the passing on of information because the newspapers and other audio or video media are changing by the day and aren't a reliable source for the riddle and clues any more. Matt VandeBunte from the press did an excellent job this year and the Advance newspaper did too until their printing schedule changed. Like I said, I have to learn more as time goes on. We used to be able to count the participants by the amount of riddle requests we received in the mail because it was not published in the papers but it got so popular I couldn't keep up with it and the papers and TV announced them. Our highest count has been over 40,000 hunters. With the news exposure even more are aware of it. I take satisfaction from that fact because each person that becomes acquainted with the treasure hunt has an opportunity to learn more about the danger of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. A subject many people don't want to talk about. Kind of like a ghost: You can't see it, you can't smell it, you can't taste it so it's scary to discuss. The game makes it more fun than scary. We all win!
Later...............................Joe
Friday, February 17, 2012
Invitation to you to see the prize awarded
This year's winners, Steve Kreiner and his sister Julie Jacomel will be claiming their hard won prize on Saturday February 18th at 10:30 am at Russell& Ballards Jewelry showroom: 5715-Byron Center Ave. S.W. Wyoming Michigan just across the street from Metro Hospital. Anyone wishing to see and participate is welcome. Steve and Julie deserve a little congratulations don't you think? They will exchange the metal medallion at that time and be off with their reward to do what they please.
The coveted, priceless, engraved silver winner's Mug
A box overflowing with money
Two votive table candle lights
Three sparkling bracelets
Other stuff
They persevered where others did not and tracked down the medallion through good weather and bad. Veterans of the annual hunt for over 23 years they knew it was not an easy task and still they left the warmth and comfort of home to carry on their efforts. Hundreds and thousands of others competed against each other and I applaud them all. Each and every one has had the opportunity to learn more about the danger of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and had some fun and mental as well as physical challenges while being a part of this decades old community event.
Thank you to every one that makes this a worth while story...............Joe
The coveted, priceless, engraved silver winner's Mug
A box overflowing with money
Two votive table candle lights
Three sparkling bracelets
Other stuff
They persevered where others did not and tracked down the medallion through good weather and bad. Veterans of the annual hunt for over 23 years they knew it was not an easy task and still they left the warmth and comfort of home to carry on their efforts. Hundreds and thousands of others competed against each other and I applaud them all. Each and every one has had the opportunity to learn more about the danger of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and had some fun and mental as well as physical challenges while being a part of this decades old community event.
Thank you to every one that makes this a worth while story...............Joe
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Wyoming Riddler/Winner
And The winner's are?
A brother and sister team from Jenison Michigan,
Steve Kreiner and Julie Jacamel
Tuesday night they correctly deciphered the riddle and clues of the 31st Silver Treasure hunt
The coordinates being was 44th Street which is the 126th Infantry Memorial Drive at that particular point and was again 44th, Michael which is an archangel or (arch and jelly why or not) Milan which is 1760 yards and what? Illinois which is a bad sound and Infantry memorial so you remember them and that they walk. But the memorial drive is short. That's most of how they arrived at their destination. The medallion was on the telephone pole on the south side of the road at the entrance to the ball field parking lot. Steve and Julie retrieved it sometime last night. Up to that point scores of people had looked that area over but didn't quite locate it.
Congratulations Steve and Julie. The treasure located at Russell&Ballards Jewelry will be exchanged for the medallion sometime this week. I'll let you know as soon as I know for sure....Joe
A brother and sister team from Jenison Michigan,
Steve Kreiner and Julie Jacamel
Tuesday night they correctly deciphered the riddle and clues of the 31st Silver Treasure hunt
The coordinates being was 44th Street which is the 126th Infantry Memorial Drive at that particular point and was again 44th, Michael which is an archangel or (arch and jelly why or not) Milan which is 1760 yards and what? Illinois which is a bad sound and Infantry memorial so you remember them and that they walk. But the memorial drive is short. That's most of how they arrived at their destination. The medallion was on the telephone pole on the south side of the road at the entrance to the ball field parking lot. Steve and Julie retrieved it sometime last night. Up to that point scores of people had looked that area over but didn't quite locate it.
Congratulations Steve and Julie. The treasure located at Russell&Ballards Jewelry will be exchanged for the medallion sometime this week. I'll let you know as soon as I know for sure....Joe
Medallion disturbed
This morning I found that the metal medallion has been disturbed. To what degree I was not able to ascertain because of the popularity of the hiding spot at that particular time. I will keep you updated as to any further information.
When I visited Russell&Ballards Jewelry showroom on Byron Center Road last night to drop off the new clue I was again struck by the beauty of the treasure in the box and the feeling of fun connected with the riddle treasure hunt. I did find myself apologizing to a bunch of people this morning that left messages on my machine berating me for the clue not appearing in Tuesday's delivery of the Grand Rapids Press. I am sorry for that. I really have no control over the news media. Except for a few times they have over the years covered the treasure hunt faithfully as a public service. I appreciate all that they have done. The article yesterday by Matt VandeBunte on Mlive.com was very informative but those that depend on the news being delivered on the front porch missed out. The Press has changed and when change comes there are always losers. We will try to find some way to address that. Meanwhile, the sun will be rising in a new day soon and I am anxious to see what that day brings. I need to get some work done quickly just in case of some sort of surprise.
Later.....................Joe
When I visited Russell&Ballards Jewelry showroom on Byron Center Road last night to drop off the new clue I was again struck by the beauty of the treasure in the box and the feeling of fun connected with the riddle treasure hunt. I did find myself apologizing to a bunch of people this morning that left messages on my machine berating me for the clue not appearing in Tuesday's delivery of the Grand Rapids Press. I am sorry for that. I really have no control over the news media. Except for a few times they have over the years covered the treasure hunt faithfully as a public service. I appreciate all that they have done. The article yesterday by Matt VandeBunte on Mlive.com was very informative but those that depend on the news being delivered on the front porch missed out. The Press has changed and when change comes there are always losers. We will try to find some way to address that. Meanwhile, the sun will be rising in a new day soon and I am anxious to see what that day brings. I need to get some work done quickly just in case of some sort of surprise.
Later.....................Joe
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Free game clue #3
It took quite a while this morning to check and make sure the medallion is still awaiting discovery. So many people!
Clue #3
"As bad as the sound is, remember they are supposed to walk. But only a short distance here, back to what it was again."
The entire rules, the eiddle and all the clues are available in the Grand Rapids Press, www.Mlive.com and Greg will post it all soon on his sight www.wyomingriddler.com
Find the oval metal medallion with distinctive markings and claim your valuable prize and the priceless winners mug. You will stand out amongst the 40,000 or so seekers from around the world. Kind of has a nice ring to it doesn't it?
Good luck!..................Joe
Clue #3
"As bad as the sound is, remember they are supposed to walk. But only a short distance here, back to what it was again."
The entire rules, the eiddle and all the clues are available in the Grand Rapids Press, www.Mlive.com and Greg will post it all soon on his sight www.wyomingriddler.com
Find the oval metal medallion with distinctive markings and claim your valuable prize and the priceless winners mug. You will stand out amongst the 40,000 or so seekers from around the world. Kind of has a nice ring to it doesn't it?
Good luck!..................Joe
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